GrowCamp Greenhouse Meltdown

Oh, how we wanted a small greenhouse, mostly to try to grow some vegetables all year.  We also wanted to be able to get a head start on the growing season by growing our seedlings out doors in the greenhouse, then to the ground after the freezing weather and frosts had finally warmed up.  It was built last summer (early summer) and we were delighted with the results.  We had fresh tomatoes and bell peppers through December and the freezing weather really hit hard this year (for our California area)!  The Grow Camp Greenhouse system seemed too good to be true!

Last year, towards the end of the growing season, I did notice a slight bulging on one of the ends of the base unit.  When I called the company, they hadn't heard any similar problems and said they didn't think it would hurt the integrity of the greenhouse.

This spring, we asked our gardener to refresh the soil with Amend and we made sure the water system was ready to go.  We purchased some of our plants, and lots of seeds.  Because we, like most of the US, missed spring and had a roller coaster of weather, and many nights hitting lows not conducive with growing or sprouting seeds, we kept waiting for the right time.  All of a sudden, our temperatures hit 100 for a couple of days, then back down to very cold, warm, then cold.  (Like everyone else!)

A few weeks ago, we decided we'd waited long enough, the weather finally settled down and the plants we had been taking in and out of the garage for sun and water were begging to be planted - so in the ground they went.  We were getting our seeds ready to sow in the Grow Camp - and couldn't believe our eyes!

Yes, this is a gigantic melt down!  We had a few days at 100+ degrees, but that is normal for our area!  We cool way down at night, with our coastal influence, and we'd read many reviews of owners who lived in the deserts and other weather extremes and read nothing like this!

As anyone who has purchased or is looking at purchasing this greenhouse system will attest, this is neither a flimsy nor cheap greenhouse.  Grow Camp Greenhouses are pricey, but would have been worth it except . . .


I will say, after only one phone call to Costco, explaining the problem (and keeping all of our receipts having the order number, invoice number, original paperwork to go along for proof of purchase) our problem was turned over to the Resolution Department.  We were told to expect a phone call to see how this would be taken care of.  Instead, I received an email from them, asking us to have the Grow Camp boxed up and it will be picked up in the next week.  I had requested a full refund, and have been promised by Costco it would be taken care of.

We've always heard Costco has an excellent return policy and will stand behind what they sell.  And, if they do what they've said, I will be one who will sing high praises here - I can't say the same thing about Grow Camp Greenhouse Systems, who has not answered any of our messages or emails.  I've noticed there are other online garden supply companies who are now carrying this product.  I do hope they stand behind this product if it happens to any one who purchases from them.

In the meantime, we're back to square one - and seriously looking at the old fashioned brick, raised garden bed.  For now, a smaller crop to be harvested before any cold weather begins in the fall>

Many blessings with any gardening you are doing!  I love growing little bits of this and that!  A few herbs, salad mix, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and lots of zucchini (for zucchini bread!)   Oh yum!  I hope everything grows quickly!

Blessings,
Donna